Dr Licia Dossi is a Senior Lecturer in Defence Chemistry at Cranfield Defence and Security. She is RSC Chartered Chemist and Chartered scientist, with expertise in chemical detection, synthetic polymer chemistry and defence chemistry gained from more than 30 years’ experience in UK and European Academic institutions. She is leading the development of advanced chemical sensors for the Biodetection Hub.

What are you working on as part of the Hub?

At Cranfield, we offer diverse capabilities across defence and security science, engineering and technology. Among the Research Themes, the detection of illicit chemicals and their precursors is at the forefront through the development of the CRIM-TRACK sniffer device and the co-leadership of the Centre of Excellence in Energetic Materials (CoEEM) Explosives Detection Hub with DSTL and Metropolitan Police. By joining the Biodetection Technologies Hub, we are able to build on our long-standing expertise and advance the national research and innovation capability in biodetection technologies with the contribution of our chemical detection technology adapted to the bioaerosol emissions from industrial and urban environments.

What is exciting you the most about your current research? 

Assisting the UK Law Enforcement Agencies in controlling the movement of criminal chemical substances more efficiently with new detection capabilities, is a priority for Cranfield University. Cranfield is one of a few universities in Europe that has licenses to handle explosives and controlled drugs. Our sniffing technology can be grown and applied to biodetection research and contribute to the sustainability of the Hub, and global security. 

What difference do you hope your research will make?

I look forward to seeing Cranfield’s sniffer detection technology become part of a scientific platform created by the Hub for fighting “The threat” and contributing to global security. Focusing on bioaerosols through the Hub activities will assist in reducing the risk to society at locations such as public enclosed and open spaces, livestock farms and other aerobic environments.

What are you most proud of in your research career?

I enjoy my academic post and I play a key role in the UK defence and security community. My aspiration is to continue influencing the international community as a recognised and respectable researcher with high credits in the areas of defence, security and applied polymer science. I am very pleased to be part of the new collaborative Biodetection Hub.